A diverse selection of fascinating exhibitions you won’t want to miss this month …
MoLi, Dublin
“Wild Earth: Irish Writers and the Natural World” is the new exhibition at Dublin’s Museum of Literature Ireland. It brings together over 90 texts by Irish writers, voiced by Zara Devlin, Roxanna Nic Liam and Lux Lovett. MoLI’s Head of Exhibitions Benedict Schlepper-Connolly explains, “What Wild Earth hopes to do is light a spark in visitor’s imaginations to help them to find a new connection to their natural world.” As Patrick Kavanagh so rightly realised, paying close attention to nature is an act of love – we recognise what is other and allow ourselves to be transformed by the encounter. @moli_museum
Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda
“Stateside” is a solo exhibition running until May 9 by American born, Irish artist and conceptual documentary photographer Jackie Nickerson, who has lived in Louth for 25 years. This visual diary tells the story of a decade spent living and working across the US, with locations ranging from Chicago and New York to Utah and Hawaii – a series of raw impressions of contemporary America. Alongside her artistic practice, Nickerson has photographed numerous high-profile public figures, and regularly undertakes editorial commissions for publications including Vogue, Vanity Fair and Time. @jackie_nickerson @highlanesgallery
Cnoc Buí Arts Centre, Cork
“Forecasters” is an exhibition of paintings from Youghal-based artist Diane Magee, which continues her exploration of imaginary animals and their relationships with their surroundings, and the climate. The series is inspired by lore such as huddled sheep or seagulls heading inland meaning trouble, braying donkeys foreshadowing rain, Cormorants gathering sticks as an augur of a long winter, and barking foxes or soaring swallows heralding fine weather. For Magee, animals are guides, not humans. The exhibition runs until April 19. @diane_magee_art @cnocbuiarts
Killruddery, Wicklow
“Wet Feet” by acclaimed photographer Simon G Wheeler will open on April 11 at Killruddery, exploring the ancient oak and yew woods, lakes and mountains of Killarney National Park in Kerry. His latest publication, Wet Feet, accompanies the exhibition that runs until June 7. @killruddery
Solestice Arts Centre, Navan
“Boy Dancer” is the result of a collaboration between poet Annemarie Ní Churreáin and visual artist Niamh McCann, also opening on April 11, until June 6. It interweaves a series of poems by Ní Churreáin with line drawings by McCann, exploring grief and transformation. It unfolds as a textual wake – an act of keeping vigil, remembering and celebrating in response to the loss of Ní Churreáin’s foster brother. McCann’s visual response embraces the lyrical and mythical qualities of the poems, drawing on imagery of birds and beasts as seers, omens and witnesses. @annemarienichurreain @niamhmccnn @solsticearts
Sol Art, Dublin
“Moments” by Kevin McAleenan opens on April 23. His practice is rooted in the close observation of landscape and often overlooked moments of everyday life. He explains, “Moments arrive unannounced. In the rise of a hill, the whiteness of a gable end, the curve of a country road, a figure moving through a crowd. But I know it has arrived when I’m caught in that moment.” For McAleenan, painting begins as he instinctively reaches for a sketchbook, responding quickly in pencil with photographs to follow, gathering fragments and details to be revisited later. @kevin_mcaleenan_artist @solartireland
National Photographic Archive, Dublin
Get into the groove surrounded by artworks in Temple Bar like yoga instructor Allan Müller whose wellness session on April 19 is part of the National Library of Ireland‘s new programme of free public events. Enjoy a spring reset with Slán Solas (Irish for “goodbye light”) during an evening gathering offering gentle movement, guided breath, immersive sound. There’s also live music and silent discos with “The Global Jukebox – Live Aid” tours. @nationallibraryofireland @narireland @allanmullerrr
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